Originally Posted by Groombridge

Vienna is tough -- and desperately needs a real luxury hotel.

The new Sofitel, designed by Jean Nouvel, is positioning itself as a 5-star, but is really a 4-star. Views facing the Innere Stadt and the Dom are really wonderful, but the rooms themselves are more "minimalist chic" quirky than comfortable, the service standards non-existent, and the amenities underwhelming.

You might want to look at The Ring hotel, which is also trying to position itself as a modern, 5-star, and is perhaps more successful than the grande dames in the city.

Some very decent bed and breakfast "boutique" hotels are the Hollman Beletage (very centrally located) and the Hotel Altstadt, both of which are solid 4 star choices, but definitely not true luxury.